The Best OBD2 Scan Tools That Support ABS

The anti-lock braking system, commonly called ABS, is a safety feature that controls and monitors the wheels of a car during braking to prevent them from locking.

This electronic system is mainly designed to allow a driver to retain steering control even when braking heavily to perform an emergency stop.

The importance of anti-lock braking system has prompted vehicle manufacturers to offer it either as an optional or standard equipment.

However, most manufacturers do not provide user information about any special maintenance for ABS. As for car owners, proper maintenance is the key so as to make the best out of ABS and the rest of the important car components.

But how does one keep ABS at its optimum?

While there are several ways to manually keep ABS on top shape, troubleshooting it may require a diagnostic tool to effectively find the root cause of a problem. It’s also important to note that cheaper scan tools, often used by amateur technicians, are only good for reading engine fault codes. To efficiently address ABS issues, one must use a scan tool that is designed with a special software that can access the ABS diagnostics.

In this article, we will feature some of the top OBD2 scan tools that can be utilized by both amateur and professional technicians. These diagnostic tools should work on most cars manufactured since 1996.

BlueDriver is an expert problem-solving Scanner, authorized for Apple and Android devices. In this device features of a sophisticated scanner are coupled with the marvelous technology in your smartphone, giving you a unique tool to count on.

This Autel product is a solid, durable scan tool that does pretty much whatever you could want as a home mechanic.

Autel AL619 AutoLink ABS/Air Bag + OBDII Scan Tool

Another powerful ABS scan tool in the market today is Autel AL619. It shares the same features offered by AL609, but is upgraded to perform some other complex tasks like diagnosing, reading, and clearing SRS and ABS codes.

The 3150 Diagnostic Code Reader is a scan tool for checking SRS and ABS codes on cars that have been manufactured since 1996. It’s a device that would benefit both automotive technicians and regular users.

The new CP9680 AUTOSCANNER PLUS is a first class, new Auto Scanner, with Code Connect w/ ABS & Airbag display. It guides you how to line up your troubleshooting and get results fast, moreover with a reasonable price.

Actron CP9680 features an easy-to-read, colored LCD screen with trilingual menu. Aside from reading ABS codes, it also records, plays back, and graphs live engine data. Moreover, users may also print the data it gets from the device on a PC.

This device is not cheap, but it’s something that can be used for a long time. Its buttons, for example, are covered with rubber boots and its firmware can also be updated.

If you wish to find more information about this product, click on this link.

In case of INNOVA 3160 the feature which has attracted so many customers is its simplicity. Having a large monochrome display, all the data readings are displayed on one screen without needing to scroll up or down.

INNOVA 3160 Diagnostic Scan Tool with ABS/SRS and Live Data for OBD2 Vehicles

Aside from being capable of retrieving OEM-enhanced codes and transmission diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), the INNOVA 3160 scan tool can also diagnose ABS codes on most OBD2 vehicles manufactured since 1996. Moreover, it’s designed to view, record, and playback live PCM data streams.

There are just a few things to take note though. The scan tool may not work properly on vehicles manufactured in Costa Rica.

Conclusion

While most OBD2 scan tools promise compatibility on almost all 1996 and newer cars, it’s still very important to check if the tool that a car owner or a mechanic is planning to purchase supports a certain car model’s ABS system. This doesn’t only save some time and disappointment, but also ensures proper investment of money.

Aside from the brand and the price, it’s essential to take note of some other things like whether or not the scan tool is upgradeable, easy to use, and usable on various platforms like laptops, tablets, or smartphones.

Lastly, users should also have a clear understanding on why they’d need to use the scan tools that support ABS and on how it could work to their advantage.